St Lucia Facts

People

St Lucia’s estimated population is 187,623, based on the latest United Nations estimates from 2017. About 90% of the population is of African descent, the remaining population is of mixed, East Indian, and Caucasian descent.

St Lucia Facts: Weather

The climate in St Lucia is tropical, with an average temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The rainy season is from June to November. The annual rainfall is approx. 200 centimeters. Hurricanes are the most severe climatic disturbance and can cause extensive damage. However, generally, because of its southern location, St Lucia is spared the worst storms and hurricanes. St Lucia Guide to weather

Geography

St Lucia is located at 13 53 N, 60 58 W and part of the Windward Islands. St. Lucia’s physical features are strikingly beautiful. Dominated by high peaks and rain forests in the interior, the 616 square-kilometer volcanic island is known for the twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton on the southwestern coast, its sandy beaches, many rivers and magnificent natural harbors. Mount Gimie , the highest peak, is located in the central mountain range and rises to 958 meters above sea level. A sizable part of the islands lush interior has been designated a forest reserve by the st lucia government. Fertile land holdings, which support banana and mixed crop farming, are scattered throughout the island. arable land: 6.45% , permanent crops: 22.58% , other: 70.97% (2005)

Castries St Lucia

St Lucia facts about Flora and Fauna

With the exception of a few endemic birds (such as the St. Lucia Parrot) as well as the Kouwes Snake, the world’s rarest snake, and the Zandoli Te, a ground lizard, found only on the Maria Island Nature Reserve, the flora and fauna on St. Lucia in similar to other islands. Many of the plants (especially the ornamentals and food crops ) were imported centuries ago, as well as many animals, such as the mongoose, rats, cane toads and mice, as well as livestock. Opossums (“manicou” in local Creole) inhabit the island, and a few remaining agoutis (brought there by Amerindians, who domesticated them). Hardwood trees, broad-leaved trees, ferns and flowers are plentiful. The most common varieties of birds include the hummingbird, flycatcher, grackle and pigeon. The marine life comprises of sea turtles, lobsters, game fish and conch. The endemic species as well as some of the marine turtles are protected – however, there is a season for hunting green turtles, and protection is not well enforced.

History

Indigenous Amerindian tribes referred to as “Arawaks” and “Caribs” came from Central America around 200 AD and 800 AD. The Caribs called the island “Iouanalao” (Hewanorra) meaning “Island of the Iguanas.” Columbus sighted St Lucia during one of his voyages but never landed. The Caribs fiercely defended their territory from Europeans until the French finally estabvlished a colony and in 1663, the Caribs agreed to abandon all rights to the island. For the next century and a half, “the Helen of the West” exchanging hands 14 times between the French and the British before it was ceded to the British in 1814. The Europeans established coffee, indigo, tobacco and cocoa plantations with the help of African slaves and indentured East Indian labourers. Sugar cane was St Lucia’s main export crop from 1765 to about 1940. Emancipation finally happened in 1838. The island’s population remains of about 85% African origin. In 1979, St Lucia gained its independence.

St Lucia Government

Independence from Britain: 22 February 1979. The St Lucia government is a parliamentary democracy modeled on the Westminster system. The head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the governor general. A Prime Minister is elected every 5 years. The House of Assembly (11 seats) is elected, the Senate (6 seats) is appointed by the Prime Minister. The two main parties are the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). The St Lucia government consists of 11 quarters/political constituencies; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort. Visit the St Lucia Government Website

Economy

Throughout the 18th century St Lucia’s main export crop was sugar. In the mid 19th century, the capital of st lucia, Castries, became an important coaling port. After 1960, sugar cane was replaced by coconuts (copra) and bananas. Then St Lucia was discovered as a tourism destination, replacing agriculture in the 1990’s. Banana exports further declined due to the ending of preferential trade agreements with the European Union. Today, the economy is largely based on services (80%). Despite growth in tourism and diversification of the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, the island remains dependent on external funds and carries a trade deficit.

Crime

Generally, you will find that people in St. Lucia are open, friendly and helpful. However, one of the unfortunate st lucia facts is that in recent years, crime and income inequality has been increasing. Visitors should use common sense and caution. It is always best to travel in a group, keep an eye out for suspicious characters and places, and avoid carrying or showing off valuables and cash, leaving your room or car unlocked, or leaving bags unattended. For emergencies, dial 999 island wide.As a female, you will probably attract some attention, and should be prepared to experience some harassment. However, most advances are harmless, and can be averted with a little humor and a firm message. If you are traveling alone, explore more remote areas with an official St Lucia guide or stay where there are others nearby.

Health, Vaccinations & Hospitals

No vaccinations are necessary when traveling to St Lucia. There are occasional outbreaks of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika, mosquito-borne viruses. There are three main hospitals in St Lucia; Tapion Hospital (private) and Victoria Hospital in Castries, and St. Jude’s Hospital in Vieux Fort. Soufriere and Dennery have some medical facilities, and every village has a small Health Center. The medical facilities and care on the island are adequate for basic care, but anything more serious should be diagnosed and treated overseas.

Water

Most of the island is serviced by the semi-privatized St Lucia Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO). The water quality from the main line is ok to drink in most places, though at times heavily chlorinated. From time to time, the water supply may be interrupted for a day or two. For information on our water supply at Balenbouche estate, please visit our Balenbouche St Lucia Guide

Electricity

Electricity 220 volts, 50 cycle AG (a few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles). Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs, UK Standard. Adapters and transformers are available at Balenbouche Estate and in many other hotels and guest houses. The islands electricity is still almost exclusively generated through fossil fuels though there are some plans for and attempts at solar and geothermal energy. The cost per kWh is EC$ 0.97

Money, Taxes and Tipping

The local Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD) is fixed to the US$ at 1 US$ = $2.6882 EC$. The exchange rate on the street, in hotels and stores varies from 2.50 to 2.65

Bank hours are Monday to Friday 8 am to 2 pm. All ATM’s distribute local currency.

Major international credit cards are accepted at most large shopping centers, restaurants, hotels etc. However, many smaller st lucia guesthouses and stores do not accept credit cards. American Express cards are also not accepted everywhere due to high fees.

There is a 10% value added tax for tourism services and a 15% VAT for most other goods and services. A service charge of 10% is typically added to your bill by most hotels, guest houses and restaurants. Tips are always appreciated!

British, Canadian, and French nationals do not require passports or a st lucia visa for short stays (weekend to one week). Due to the re-entry requirements by the United States, US nationals require a passport to travel to St. Lucia, as well as all other nationalities. A st lucia visa is required for citizens of some countries.

Immigration, Customs & Taxes Visitors can stay 42 days (6 weeks) on a tourist visa, which can be extended for US$ 80 per month for up to 6 months. You must have a return ticket. Nationals of some countries are required to obtain a visa.

Duty free allowance: 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, one liter of spirit or wine.

The departure tax is already included in ticket prices on International flights. For regional travel, a separate departure tax still applies.

Public buses

The most affordable, local way of traveling. Privately owned and operated 14–seater minivans with green “M” license plates run individual routes between major communities. There is no schedule, simply get on at the village bus stop or wave them down on the road. You may have to wait up to 30 minutes and not all areas are served by public transportation. Buses don't run on Sundays and holidays and in most acases, not after 6 pm.